Mid Day Meal in Schools

National Programme of Mid Day Meal in Schools [MDMS] Annual Work Plan And Budget-2017-18 WRITE UP KERALA 1

1. Introduction MID DAY MEAL PROGRAMME Mid Day Meal Programme is one of the most important programmes of the Government of India to encourage children to come to schools and take part in the learning process without worrying for their meal. The Programme/Scheme was initiated on the basis of the philosophy that when children have to sit in class with empty stomachs, they cannot focus on learning. The Programme in the holistic manner helps in enhancing enrolment, attendance and retention of primary school children while simultaneously improving their nutritional status. Main objectives of the Scheme. 1) To increase enrolment, retention and to strengthen the learning abilities of the beneficiaries, especially of children belonging to the weaker and disadvantaged sections of the society. 2) To provide nutritious meal to school children so as to achieve the goal of a healthy mind in a healthy body. 3) To promote and establish a cordial relationship, mutual understanding, healthy friendship and emotional unity among children irrespective of their caste, religion and colour by providing them a common dish and make them eat it at a common place in their respective school premises. Origin of the Scheme Mid Day Meal scheme was launched as a Centrally Sponsored Programme on the 15 th of August 1995 by the Government of India.. The scheme originally covered the children of primary schools (studying in standards. I to V) in Government, Local Body controlled and Government Aided Schools. In October 2002, the scheme was further extended to the children studying in Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS) and Alternative Innovative Education centers. During the same academic year, the scheme was further extended to cover Upper Primary Schools/Sections. 2

Mid Day Meal Scheme in the State of Kerala Kerala is a pioneer having launched the Scheme in 1984 well before it was introduced by the Central Government. The Scheme was introduced for the first time in the State in LP Schools of 222 coastal villages having fishermen as majority. In the year 1985, the scheme was extended to cover all LP schools (Std. I to IV) and during 1987-88 it was extended to cover all Upper Primary Schools (std. V to VII) in the state. The Scheme was finally extended in 2007-08 to bring the students of Std.VIII under its ambit. When Government of India launched the Scheme as a centrally sponsored one in 1995, Government of Kerala decided to implement it in continuation of its existing scheme. The Mid Day Meal Scheme in Kerala now caters to all the students from the Primary to Upper Primary Divisions in Government, Local Body controlled, Government Aided, MGLC and Special Schools. The scheme consists of supply of cooked food to school children which is prepared using rice, pulses, vegetables, egg, milk and coconut oil/palmolein. As of now 26,54,807 students in 12327 schools are enjoying the benefits of the scheme. The Scheme is going on in all these schools without serious flaws. More than 500 crores of rupees is being spent for the conduct of the Scheme in the State. The coverage under the MDM Scheme against Enrolment for the year 2016-17 is given below. Enrolment Coverage in the MDM Scheme Year Upper Upper Percentage Primary Primary Primary Primary 2016-17 1603756 1113150 1584234 1070573 97.71 3

1.1 Management Structure State Level Secretary to Government, Genl General Education Education Dept/ Educational Department Director of Public Instruction Directorate (Director, of Public MDM) Instruction State Level Steering Cum Monitoring Committee 1 Director/ Addl Director ADPI /1 /Sr. Sr. AA Admn /Suptd Asst / 7 / Assistants 2 Supdts. / 6 /Peon/ Assistants Computer / 1 Peon Programmer/It /1 Computer Programmer @ School /1 Data Entry Operator District Level DD/ DDE 1 Noon / 1 Noon meal meal Supervisor/Assistant /1 Assistant / District / District Coordinators (IT@School) @ School) District Level SMC Block Level AEO/Suptd / NMO /Assistant /BRC / (IT@School) Block Level SMC School Level HM / Teachers / PTA / MPTA School Level SMC Noon Feeding Committee/SMC 1.2 Process of Plan Formulation at State and District Level AWP&B for the Sate is evolved after detailed discussions based on the data received from the District Levels and the resources that can be made available from the state for the implementation for the scheme. District level Plans are prepared by the Deputy Directors of the 14 districts on the basis of the data from block and school levels. Once the District Plans and write ups are prepared, they are sent to the Director of Public Instruction for preparing the State Level Plan and Budget. After examining and verifying the district plans, the MDM team at the State Level prepares State AWP&B. The Director of Public Instruction supervises and manages the entire process leading to the preparation of AWP&B. The other officials involved in the implementation of the MDM Scheme also participate in the process of the AWPB preparation. Once the State Annual Work Plan and Budget is approved by the State Level Steering cum Monitoring Committee, it is submitted to MHRD. 4

2. Description and assessment of the programme implemented in the Current year (2016-17) and proposal for the next year (2017-18) 2.1 Regularity and wholesomeness of mid - day meals served to children; interruptions if any and the reasons therefore problem areas for regular serving of meals and action taken to avoid Interruptions in future:- Mid Day Meal is regularly served on all school working days to all the children in the primary and upper primary divisions. Interruptions in the supply of meal have not been reported from anywhere across the state during the current academic year. Cooking cost and honorarium to Headmasters and Cook cum Helpers respectively are disbursed in advance (for three months in advance) by e- transferring the amounts directly to their bank accounts. Irrespective of all these measures, if there occurs any contingency arising due to shortage of funds or shortage of food grains, the school PTAs will promptly intervene and take appropriate steps to ensure that mid day meal programme proceeds uninterrupted. 2.2. System for cooking, serving and supervising mid- day meals in the school Mid-Day Meal Scheme is managed, monitored and supervised at school level by the School Noon Feeding committee which consists of PTA President, members of Mother PTA, representatives of Parents of children belonging to SC/ST category and minority communities, Ward Member, Head of the institution and Teachers representatives. The School Noon Feeding committee appoints cook cum helpers. It also decides the menu. Meal is prepared in the school premises in separate kitchens. A sizable number of schools have separate dining halls for serving the meal. In schools that lack dining halls, the prepared meal is taken to the class rooms and served hot by the teachers. PTA and SMC members actively participate in the serving of the meal. Members of Mother PTA, SMC and the Panchayat/Municipal Ward Member concerned ensure the quality of food served. Representatives of teachers, mother PTA and SMC taste the food and ensure its quality before being served to the children. A separate Register is maintained at schools to record the remarks/opinions of the members of SMC and parents who taste the quality of food. The Register is regularly inspected by the Noon Meal Officer at the block level. 5

The school feeding committee verifies the claims and admits all the accounts related to Mid Day Meal in the school before submitting them to the Block Level Officer. 2.3 Details about Weekly Menu 2.3.1. Weekly Menu-Day wise The menu is decided by the School Noon Feeding Committee. However, a general pattern shows the following menu across the state. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday -Rice + Green Gram +Vegetable curry (Sambar) -Rice +Vegetable curry +Thoran or Pickles -Rice + Vegetable curry + Egg (Roast or Boiled) -Rice +Vegetable curry+ Thoran - Rice +Bengal Gram or Green Gram +Vegetable curry Irrespective of the above menu, a vegetable chart is advised for good Nutrition as follows: Mon. Tue. Wed Thu Fri Leafy veg. Red, Yellow Pulses White/Tan Green Colour Orange Veg. Veg. Veg. Amaranth Beetroot Green gram Cauliflower Ladies finger Spinach Onions Red gram Potato Green peas Drumstick leaf Other edible green leaves Tomato Green gram Radish Beans Carrot Pumpkin Green peas Ash gourd Cucumber Bitter gourd Bottle gourd 2.3.2. Additional Food items provided (fruits/milk/any other items), if any from State/UT resources. Frequency of their serving along with per unit cost per day Egg/Banana Milk - Once a week; cost per unit per day is Rs.1/- - 150 ml twice a week; cost per unit per day is Rs.1.60/- 2.3.3. Usage of Double Fortified Salt Since Double Fortified Salt is not available in the State, Iodised Salt is used. 2.3.4. At what level menu is being decided / fixed A committee known as Noon Feeding Committee is constituted at the school level with PTA President as Chairman and the Headmaster of the school as the Member 6

Secretary. Members form MPTA, Parents of SC/ST children, representatives of parents of children belonging to SC/S and minority communities, Teachers representatives, Ward Member from the LSG are the other members. The committee is convened once in every month. The Committee decides the menu for the Mid Day Meal. 2.3.5. Provision of local variation in the menu, inclusion of locally available ingredients/items in the menu as per the liking/taste of the children. School level Noon Feeding Committee decides the menu after considering the local/seasonal availability of provision. 2.3.6. Time of serving the meal 12.30.p m to 1.30.pm in urban areas and 1.pm to 2.pm in rural areas. 2.4 Fund Flow Mechanism 2.4.1. Existing mechanism for release of funds up to school/implementing agency levels GOI+ State DPI HM DDE KSCSC (Veg & Condiments, Fuel & transportation, Remuneration to Cooks, Egg, Milk) FCI (Cost of Rice) (Cost of transportation) 2.4.2 Mode of release of funds at different levels 60% of cooking cost & remuneration to cook-cum-helpers (for the first 6 months) is e- transferred directly to the bank accounts of Headmasters and cook-cum-helpers respectively during the last week of May. The next instalment for another 3 months is released during the 1st week of October. The last and final instalment will be released in the months of February-March. 2.4.3. Dates when the fund released to State Authority / Directorate / District / Block /Gram Panchayat and finally to the Cooking Agency / School Details is given in Table AT-2A of the formats 7

2.4.4. Reasons for delay in release of funds at different levels There occurs no delay in the release of funds 2.4.5 In case of delay in release of funds from State/ Districts, how the scheme has been implemented by schools/ implementing agencies There occurs no delay in the release of funds 2.4.6 Initiatives taken by the state for pre-positioning of funds with the Implementing agencies in the beginning of the year for the smooth and uninterrupted implementation of the Scheme. 60% of cooking cost & remuneration to cook-cum-helpers for the first 6 months is e- transferred directly to the bank accounts of Headmasters and cook-cum-helpers respectively during the last week of May. The next instalment for another 3 months is released during the 1st week of October. The last and final instalment will be released in March. 2.5. Food grain Management 2.5.1. Time lines for lifting of food grains from FCI Depot- District wise lifting calendar of food grains District Administration accords sanction for lifting the allocated food grains on monthly basis starting from the1 st day of the month preceding the allocation quarter. 2.5.2. System for ensuring lifting of FAQ food grains (Joint inspections at the time of lifting etc) The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation is the nodal agency for lifting the food grains from FCI. The Corporation has an inspection wing, which inspects and ensures the quality of the food grains at the time of lifting. 2.5.3. Is there any incident when FAQ food grain was not provided by FCI. If so, the action taken.by the State/District to get such food grain replaced with FAQ food grain. How the food grain of FAQ was provided to implementing agencies till replacement of inferior quality of food grain from FCI was arranged No. 8

2.5.4 System of transportation and distribution of food grains The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation is the nodal agency for lifting the food grains from FCI and supplying the rice to the implementing agencies through its commercial outlets called Maveli Stores. The Headmaster is in charge of procuring food materials (rice, pulses etc) from the outlets of Civil Supplies Corporation. Food Grain Flow Chart FC I Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation Maveli Stores Schools 2.5.5. Whether unspent balance of food grains with the schools is adjusted from the allocation of the respective implementing agencies (Schools/SHGs/ Centralised Kitchens) Number of implementing agencies receiving food grains at doorstep level Yes 2.5.6. Storage facility at different levels in the State/District/Blocks/Implementing agencies after lifting of food grains from FCI depot The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation lifts the food grains from FCI Depots, stores it in its own depots and then re-distributes to schools through its commercial outlets known as Maveli Stores. Each outlet has adequate storage facility. The Headmasters or teachers/school staff designated by HMs procure the food materials (rice, pulses etc) from the outlets of Civil Supplies Corporation and keep it in the store room of the school. 2.5.7. Challenges faced and plan to overcome them The food grain distribution is done in a very healthy and good manner. Shri. A.P. M.Mohammed Hanish IAS, the Chairman and Managing Director of Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation has been requested recently to issue 9

directions to the concerned officials of the Corporation to ensure the door delivery of rice and other food materials to schools considering the fact that the Department is paying an additional amount of Rs.1400/- per metric ton in addition to the central assistance of Rs.750/- per MT towards transportation charges. 2.6 Payment of cost of food grains to FCI 2.6.1. System for payment of cost of food grains to FCI; whether payments made at district level or State level In each district, Deputy Director of Education is designated as the Nodal Officer for making payment to FCI. The cost of food grains for the 1 st & 2 nd quarter is e-transferred to the District authority in the 1 st week of April and the cost of 3 rd & 4 th quarter transferred in the 1 st week of September. Directions were given to the District Authorities to make payment to FCI on the same day of the receipt of bill from FCI. Payment of Cost to FCI- Flow Chart State DPI DDE FCI 2.6.2. Status of pending bills of FCI of the previous year(s) and the reasons for pendency There is no outstanding amount pending with the State for payment to FCI for the previous year. 2.6.3 Timelines for liquidating the pending bills of previous year(s) There is no outstanding amount pending with the State for payment to FCI for the previous year. 10

2.6.4 Whether meetings are held regularly in the last week of the month by the District Nodal Officers with FCI as per guidelines dated 10.02.2010 to resolve the issues relating to lifting, quality of food grains and payment of bills. Deputy Director. Education is designated as the Nodal Officer. Directions have been given to the District Authorities to conduct regular meetings with FCI. 2.6.5. Whether the District Nodal Officers are submitting the report of such meeting to State Head quarter by 7 th of next month Yes 2.6.6 Status of monthly meetings by the District Nodal Officer with the FCI Directions have been given to the District Authorities to conduct regular meetings with FCI. Reports from District authorities show that a minimum of two meetings each in a district have taken place so far during the current year. 2.6.7 The process of reconciliation of payment with the concerned offices of FCI Directions were given to the Deputy Directors of education to make payment on the same day of receipt of bill from the FCI.It has also been instructed to carry out regular reconciliation of the figures with the concerned offices of FCI and report the situation to the State Office. 2.6.8 Relevant issues regarding payment to FCI No relevant issues prevail. Director of Public Instruction (Director, MDM, Kerala) holds regular meetings with all the Deputy Directors of Education. The Deputy Directors report that there occurs no delay on their part in disbursing the cost of rice to FCI. 2.6.8 Whether there is any delay in payment of cost of food groups to FCI and steps taken to rectify the same Directions were given to the Deputy Directors of education to pay the same to the FCI on the same day of receipt of bill from the FCI. FCI has so far not complained about any delay in getting the funds from the Education Department. 2.7 Cook-cum-helpers 2.7.1 Whether the State follows the norms prescribed by MHRD for the engagement of cook-cum-helpers or it has its own norms Yes 11

2.7.2. In case, the State follows different norms, the details of norms followed may be indicated As per State Norms, one cook is engaged for every 500 students. Proposals have already been submitted to the State Government to appoint one cook for every 250 students in a school. 2.7.3 Is there any difference in the number of cook-cum-helpers eligible for engagement as per norms and the CCH actually engaged Yes. As per State Norms, a total number of 14554 cooks are to be engaged. However 14373 cook cum helpers are currently being engaged in the State. 2.7.4 System and mode of payment, of honorarium to cook-cum-helpers and Implementing agencies viz. NGOs / SHGs / Trust / Centralized kitchens etc Remuneration to cooks is e-transferred directly to their bank accounts concerned 2.7.5 Whether the CCH were paid on monthly basis Yes, they are paid on monthly basis. 2.7.6 Whether there was any instance regarding irregular payment of honorarium to Cook-cum-helpers and reason thereof. Measures taken to rectify the problem. No. 2.7.7 Rate of honorarium to cook-cum-helpers A minimum of Rs.400/- is paid as wages for each working day to the cook for a student strength up to 150. For strength exceeding 150, 25 paise per child is additionally paid subject to a maximum wage of Rs.475/-. On an average, a cook cum-helper in Kerala gets a total amount of Rs. 9200/- per month towards honorarium. 2.7.8 Number of cook-cum-helpers having bank accounts All the 14373 cooks currently working in the State have bank accounts. 2.7.9. Number of cook-cum-helpers receiving honorarium through their bank accounts All the 14373 cooks currently working in the State are receiving honorarium through their bank accounts 2.7.10. Provisions for health check-ups of Cook-cum-Helpers Directions were given to the school Headmaster/Headmistress to take steps to make health check-ups of cook-cum-helpers every six month. 2.7.11. Whether cook-cum-helpers are wearing head gears and gloves at the time of cooking of meals Directions were given to the school Headmaster/Headmistress to make the cook cum helpers wear head gears and gloves at the time of cooking of meals. During surprise 12

inspections conducted by department officials, it has been found that in most schools cook-cum-helpers wear head gears and gloves at the time of cooking the meal. 2.7.12. Modalities for apportionment of cook-cum-helpers engaged at school level and working at centralized kitchens, in case of schools being served through centralized kitchens MDM Scheme is implemented at the school level by the school Noon Feeding Committee. This committee is vested with power to appoint cook cum helpers. Preference is given to those from the socially and economically weaker sections and disadvantaged segments of the society. Meals are prepared in the school premises only. 2.7.13 Whether any steps have been taken to enroll cook-cum-helpers under any social security schemes i.e Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana etc. and number of cooks benefitted through the same Steps have been initiated to bring all the cook-cum-helpers in the Sate under the coverage of an accident insurance scheme, the modalities of which are being worked out. 2.8. Procurement and storage of cooking ingredients and condiments 2.8.1. System for procuring g o o d q u a l i t y ( pulses, vegetables including leafy ones, salt, condiments, oil etc. and other commodities Headmaster is in charge of procuring food materials (rice, pulses etc) from the outlets of Civil Supplies Corporation. Condiments, oil, fuel etc are procured locally by the school noon feeding committee. 2.8.2. Whether First In and First Out (FIFO) method has been adopted for using MDM ingredients such as pulses, oil/fats. condiments salt etc. or not. Yes 2.8.3. Arrangements for safe storage of ingredients and condiments in kitchens Permanent or semi permanent kitchen sheds are put up in each and every school. Every school has a permanent or semi permanent room for the safe storage of ingredients and condiments. 13

2.8.4 Steps taken to ensure implementation of guidelines dated 13.02.2015 on food safety and hygiene in school level kitchens under Mid Day Meal Scheme The meal is prepared in the school premises (in separate Kitchen sheds). Members of mother PTA are actively participating in cooking and serving of food. The presence of mother PTA ensures the quality of food. Teachers and members of SMC supervise the serving of meal and taste the meal before it is served to children. A separate Register is maintained at all schools to record the remarks/opinions of SMC members who taste the meal. 2.9 Fuel used for cooking Mid Day Meal Fuel used for cooking the mid-day meal is firewood/ biogas /steam cooking. 2.10 Steps taken by State to increase the use of LPG as mode of Fuel in MDM The State Government has given specific directions to all concerned to completely switch over to LPG based cooking system instead of using firewood as fuel. The cooking cost was revised by the State wef 05.09.2016 keeping this in view. The department has already disbursed an amount of Rs. 5000/- each to 2546 schools in the State as a financial assistance to procure LPG Stoves and LPG connection. Deputy Directors of Education have reported that a total of 3280 schools have so far migrated to LPG mode of cooking. Deputy Directors and Block Level Officers have been also instructed to coordinate the activities in this regard and submit plan proposals to Local self Government Institutions concerned so that with the financial aid of LSG institutions, all the Schools in the State can switch over to LPG w.e.f the next academic year. Oil companies such as IOC have been specifically requested to exempt schools from paying security deposit for availing LPG connection. 2.11. Kitchen-cum-stores 2.11.1. Procedure for construction of kitchen-cum-store In Kerala, the mid day meal scheme was started during 1984. Permanent or semi permanent kitchen sheds were put up in each and every school since 1985. In Govt. aided schools, kitchen sheds were constructed by the school managers. In Govt. schools, kitchen sheds were constructed by Govt or by the PTA. As the scheme is extended to UP section also, in most of the schools, the storage facility and kitchen sheds are found to be inadequate for the present need. Kitchen-cum stores are now being constructed with the joint financial assistance of Central and State Governments in the ratio 60:40. The fund 14

sanctioned by GOI through State Finance Department is released to District Authorities (Deputy Directors of Education). A total of 2450 kitchen-cum store units were sanctioned upto 2009-10 by the Central Government. Construction of all these sanctioned units has been completed. 2.11.2. Whether any standardized model of kitchen cum stores is used for construction No 2.11.3 Details of the construction agency and role of community in this work In Govt. aided schools, kitchen sheds were constructed by the school managers. In Govt. schools, kitchen sheds were constructed by LSG institutions or by the PTA. 2.11.4 Kitchen cum stores constructed through convergence, if any A total of 6321 kitchen-cum store units were constructed through convergence, the details of which are given in Table AT-28. 2.11.5 Progress of construction of kitchen-cum-stores and target for the next year For the Year 2017-18, the State submitted proposal for the construction of 3031 kitchencum-store units on plinth area norms as per Schedule of Rates of the State Government. The PAB-MDM meeting held on 19-02-2016 approved the proposal. A total amount of Rs. 18326.00 lakhs (Central share+ State share) was also approved towards the fund required for constructing the kitchen-cum-stores. The Central and State shares are placed at Rs.10995.60 lakhs and Rs.7330.40 lakhs respectively in the 60:40 ratio. However due to financial constraints, State could not release its mandatory share before the close of the year 2016. Central Government, too, has not released its share. The State Finance department has agreed in principle to release the amount for constructing the 3031 units of kitchen-cum-stores at the earliest. Proposal in this regard is under the active consideration of the State Finance department. As soon as the fund is released, it will be e-transferred to the Deputy Directors of Education and the construction of kitchen-cumstores will be taken up immediately and completed on war footing basis. 2.11.6. The reasons for slow pace of construction of kitchen cum stores, if applicable Not Applicable 15

2.11.7. How much interest has been earned on the unutilized central assistance lying in the bank account of the State/implementing agencies No interest has been earned as there exists no unutilized amount of central assistance (sanctioned for constructing of kitchen-cum-stores) parked in bank accounts. 2.12. Kitchen Devices 2.12.1 Procedure of procurement of kitchen devices from funds released under the Mid Day Meal Programme The funds released by GOI are allotted to school authorities for procuring Kitchen devices so as to select the item of their need. 2.12.2. Status of procurement of kitchen devices Funds for the procurement of Kitchen devices sanctioned during 2006-07 has been released to schools in April 2016 as per the assurance given in the PAB-MDM held on 19-02-2016. For the year 2016-17, State of Kerala had submitted a proposal for the procurement of kitchen devices in 8279 schools and replacement of kitchen devices in 1473 schools sanctioned during 2010-11. The PAB-MDM held on 19-02-2016 approved the proposal and vide letter dated:-06.09.2016 MHRD intimated the release of a total amount of Rs.487.60 lakh for the procurement/replacement of kitchen devices. The state Finance Department has been requested to release the amount at the earliest and it is learnt that the State Finance Department has already taken necessary steps to release the amount shortly. Once the amount is sanctioned, it will be released to schools without further delay and it will be ensured that complete utilization of the fund is made before 31.03.2017. 2.12.3. Procurement of kitchen devices through convergence or Community/CSR Nil 2.12.4 Availability of eating plates in the schools. Source of procurement of eating plates Eating plates are available in all schools. In some schools eating plates and glasses for drinking water are provided by the PTAs/NGOs/ Alumni Associations. Adequate funds from MME are also provided for procuring plates and glasses. 2.13. Measures taken to rectify 2.13.1. Inter-district low and uneven utilization of food grains and cooking cost No low and uneven utilization of food grains and cooking cost. 16

2.13.2. Intra-district mismatch in utilization of food grains and cooking cost No mismatch in utilization of food grains and cooking cost 2.13.3 Mismatch of data reported through various sources (QPR, AWP&B, MIS etc) Slight variation is seen. It will be rectified. 2.14. Quality of food 2.14.1. System of Tasting of food by teachers/community. Maintenance of tasting register at school level Members of Mother PTA, SMC and the Panchayat/Muncipal Ward Member concerned ensure the quality of food served. Representatives of teachers, mother PTA and SMC taste the food and ensure its quality before being served to the children. A separate Register is maintained at schools to record the remarks/opinions of the members of SMC and parents who taste the quality of food. The Register is regularly inspected by the Noon Meal Officer at the block level. 214.2 Maintenance of roster of parents, community for the presence of at least two parents in the school on each day at the time of serving and tasting of mid day meal Representatives of teachers, mother PTA and SMC voluntarily come forward to taste and examine the quality of meal served. Though an official roster is not maintained, there of course will be a list of such people being kept in the school and with the School Noon Feeding Committee.. 2.14.3. Testing of food sample by any recognized labs for prescribed nutriention and presence of contaminants such as microbes, e-coli Though Food safety officers of the Department of Food Safety randomly inspect and checks the quality of meal served in schools, the process of testing of food samples in accredited laboratories has not been started yet. However necessary steps have already been taken in this regard by the department. Adequate steps will be taken at the earliest to test the food samples and water from schools at the laboratories of the Department of Food Safety. Modalities for this are being worked out. Food samples and water will be tested at the district laboratories of Food Safety Department with effect from the beginning of next academic year onwards. 17

2.14.4. Engagement of / recognized labs for the testing of Meals Necessary steps have already been taken in this regard by the department. Adequate steps will be taken at the earliest to test the food samples and water from schools at the laboratories (analytical laboratories) of the Department of Food Safety. Modalities for this are being worked out. Food samples and water will be tested at accredited labs of Food Safety Department with effect from the beginning of next academic year onwards. 2.14.5. Details of protocol for testing of Meals, frequency of lifting and testing of samples The modalities are being worked out. 2.14.6. Details of samples taken for testing and the results thereof Please refer answers given to queries 2.14.3 and 2.14.4 2.14.7 Steps taken to ensure implementation of guidelines issued with regard to quality of food Testing of food samples will be done as per the guidelines issued with regard to the quality of food. 2.15. Involvement of NGOs/Trusts. 2.15.1. Modalities for engagement of NGOs/ Trusts for serving of MDM through centralized kitchen No NGOs/Trusts are involved/engaged in the implementation of the Scheme. 2.15.2. Whether NGOs/ Trusts are serving meal in rural areas No 2.15.3. Maximum distance and time taken for delivery of food from centralized kitchen to schools The State do not have centralized kitchens. 2.15.4. Measures taken to ensure delivery of hot cooked meals to schools The meal is prepared in the school premises (in separate kitchen sheds) and served hot. 2.15.5. Responsibility of receiving cooked meals at the schools from the centralized kitchen The State do not have centralized kitchens 18

2.15.6. Whether sealed containers are used for supply of meals to schools The State do not have centralized kitchens 2.15.7. Tentative time of delivery of meals at schools from centralized kitchen The State do not have centralized kitchens 2.15.8 Testing of food samples at centralized kitchens The State do not have centralized kitchens 2.15.9 Whether NGO is receiving grant from other organizations for the mid day meal. If so, the details thereof No NGOs/Trusts are involved/engaged in the implementation of the Scheme 2.16 System to ensure transparency, accountability and openness in all aspects of programme implementation 2.16.1. Display of logo, entitlement of children and other information at a prominent visible place in school Directions were given to Headmasters/Headmistress to display logo, entitlement of children and other information of MDM at a prominent visible place in school. 2.16.2. Dissemination of information through MDM website Yes. 2.16.3. Provisions for community monitoring at school level i.e. Mother Roaster, Inspection register For the effective implementation and management of the scheme at school level, a School Noon Feeding Committee, consisting of PTA President, members of Mother PTA, representatives of parents of children belonging to SC/ST category and minority communities, Ward Member, Head of the institution, teachers representatives is constituted at each school. The school Noon Feeding Committee verifies the claims and admits all the accounts of Mid Day Meal every month. A separate Register is maintained for recording the minutes of the monthly meeting of the School Noon Feeding Committee which is periodically inspected by the Noon Meal Officer at the block level. Another register is maintained for the members of SMC and PTA/mother PTA/teachers to record their remarks/opinions regarding the quality of meal served to children. At the Sate level, the Directore of Public Instruction issues detailed guidelines in May every year through a circular elucidating the duties and responsibilities of the School Noon Feeding Committees, School Headmasters, Block level Noon Meal officers and District level Noon Feeding Supervisors and general instructions regarding the supply of nutrient rich meal to children, maintaining hygiene etc. Noon Meal Officers regularly visit a minimum number of 15 schools in every month and ensure that the Mid-day Meal Scheme is being conducted and implemented as per the guidelines issued by MHRD and 19

the State Education Department. Noon meal Officers and Noon Feeding Supervisors periodically conduct audit of accounts at schools and report to the Sate Authority with their remarks and recommendations. To deal with the matters related to these audited accounts and to receive complaints/grievances, a separate section in the Sate MDM wing has been constituted. Based on the findings and recommendations in the audited account statements submitted by Noon Meal Officers and Noon Feeding Supervisors, the State level authority (Director, MDM) takes appropriate decisions and corrective measures for the effective conduct of the MDM scheme. 2.16.4. Tasting of meals by community members Mother PTAs actively participate in the preparation and serving of meals. They along with members of SMC and the ward members concerned ensure the quality of meal served to children. Members of SMC and teachers voluntarily come forward to taste the food and ensure that quality food is given to the children. A separate register is maintained at every school for the members of SMC and PTA/mother PTA/teachers to record their remarks/opinions regarding the quality of meal served to children. This register is inspected regularly by the officers at the bock and district levels. 2.16.5 Conducting Social Audit The power to implement and manage the mid-day meal scheme at school level with regard to the guidelines of MHRD and norms issued by the State Government is delegated to School Noon Feeding committees. The Committee comprises of PTA President, School Headmaster, members of Mother PTA, representatives of parents of children belonging to SC/ST and minority communities, Ward Member and teachers representatives. The committee has to be convened at least once in a month.it reviews the progress of the implementation of the scheme and take all important decisions for the smooth and effective conduct of the scheme. The Committee also verifies and approves the bills and vouchers related to the expenditure incurred towards cooking cost, honorarium to cooks, etc for the previous month. The Block level officers will verify and admit only those claims which are examined and approved by the school level noon feeding committees. Thus accountability and transparency is strictly maintained in each and every aspect in the implementation of the Scheme with the active involvement and participation of society. 20

Since the MDM guidelines issued by MHRD have included social audit as an integral part of the 12 th Five Year Plan, efforts are on to carry out a social audit of the mid-day meal scheme implemented in the state with the help of the Audit society of MGNREGA. Discussions are underway with the agency to carry out social audit as per the guidelines issued by MHRD. It is expected to conduct the social audit of two districts in the State and to complete the job within a period of 6 months. 2.17 Capacity building and training for different stakeholders 2.17.1. Details of the training programme conducted for cook-cum-helpers, State Level officials, SMC members, school teachers and others stakeholders Cook-cum-helpers were given training during the months of May and June 2016. In each district 30 numbers of cook-cum-helpers were selected by the District Authorities and were given training at the Food Craft Institutes. These trained cook-cum-helpers were designated as Master Trainers. With the help of these master trainers, training to other cook-cum-helpers in each district was then given. However the department could not conduct training programmes for block/district/state level officials, SMC members, school teachers and other stakeholders during this year. 2.17.2. Details about Modules used for training, Master Trainers, Venues etc In each district 30 numbers of cook-cum-helpers were selected by the District Authorities and were given training at the Food Craft Institutes. These trained cook-cum-helpers were designated as Master Trainers. With the help of these master trainers, training to other cook-cum-helpers in each district was then given. For this cook-cum-helpers coming under a block were selected as a group and given training at a particular school. The module included the importance of the conduct of mid-day meal scheme, the need to ensure quality and hygiene in the preparation of meals, etc. 2.17.3. Targets for the next year It has been decided to give training to cook cum helpers, teachers during the months of April and May 2017. Orientation will also be given to the staff involved in the implementation and monitoring of the Mid Day Meal Scheme at the State/District/Block levels. 2.18 Management Information System 2.18.1. Procedure followed for data entry into MDM-MIS Web portal The details of utilization of food grains, cooking cost, honorarium to cooks and stock position are submitted to the Block Level Office concerned every month by the school 21

Headmasters. The Noon Meal Officers at the block level offices verify these details and then enter it into the MDM-MIS Web portal. 2.18.2. Level (State/ District/ Block/ School) at which data entry is made State- MDM norms, MDM menu, Annual Data replication, Inspection entry, Unfreezing monthly data, entering school opening balance, preparation of calendar for AWPB, AWPB proposal submission, proposal for Kitchen cum store and Kitchen devices, fund management, Indent generation District-School master, upload monthly data, school requirement for AWPB, details of Kitchen cum store, Kitchen devices, food grain management Block:-Opening balance entry, Annual data, Monthly data, School Health data, fund management, Food grain release. School:- maintaining all the mandatory Registers of the MDM Scheme. 2.18.3. Availability of manpower for web based MIS Yes. Data entry operators are engaged at the block and district level offices for the web based MIS 2.18.4. Mechanism for ensuring timely data entry and quality of data All AEOs (Block level) and District level offices in the state are connected via online and data from the Sub levels can be accessed by the Directorate at any time. 2.18.5. Whether MIS data is being used for monitoring purpose and details thereof. Yes 2.19 Automated Monitoring System 2.19.1. Status of implementation of AMS With the technical support of State IT School Project, a web based Monitoring System (MDM MS) has been rolled out in the State for daily data collection and for monitoring the Scheme. Since the System is purely web based and requires internet connection, only a few schools (below 10 % on an average) are able to upload data to the State portal currently. It must be noted that around 6800 LP schools in the State do not have internet connection. As such It has been decided to adopt the SMS based automated monitoring 22

system (AMS) designed and developed by the Himachal Pradesh NIC Team. State On-Board request for registering to the portal has already been submitted to NIC and it is expected to switch over to the SMS based AMS within a period of one month. 2.19.2. Mode of collection of data under AMS (SMS/IVRS/Mobile App/Web enabled) In the current web based Monitoring System, Headmasters have been provided with a user id and password for logging onto the State Portal daily at specified timings where they have to enter the number of students who avail mid-day meal on the day. The data thus entered by the headmasters will be consolidated at the State level in xml format and uploaded to the portal of MHRD. 2.19.3. Tentative unit cost for collection of data Nil 2.19.4. Mechanism for ensuring timely submission of information by schools Though a provision for an SMS alert mechanism is incorporated in the existing web based monitoring system, purchase of SMS at bulk amounts for sending SMS alerts to Headmasters has not been done so far. Now, it has been decided to adopt the SMS based automated monitoring system (AMS) designed and developed by the Himachal Pradesh NIC Team. State On-Board request for registering to the portal has already been submitted to NIC and it is expected to switch over to the SMS based AMS within a period of one month 2.19.5. Whether the information under AMS is got validated Yes. 2.19.6 Whether AMS data is being used for monitoring purpose and details thereof The available data is being used for monitoring the scheme. Based on the data, instructions are given to block level officers immediately to visit the school and address the issues in the scheme, if any. 2.19.7 In case, AMS has not been rolled out, the reasons therefore may be indicated along with the time lines by which it would be rolled out Since the present monitoring system is purely web based and requires internet connection, only a few schools (below 10 % on an average) are able to upload data to the State portal currently. It may be noted that around 6800 LP schools in the State do not have internet 23

connection. As such It has been decided to adopt the SMS based automated monitoring system (AMS) designed and developed by the Himachal Pradesh NIC Team. State On-Board request for registering to the portal has already been submitted to NIC and it is expected to switch over to the SMS based AMS within a period of one month. 2.20 Details of Evaluation studies conducted by State State Institute of Education Management and Training (SIEMAT) has been directed to conduct Evaluation study and their report is awaited. 2.21 Write up on best/innovative practices The State can boast of several innovative practices in the implementation and successful conduct of the Mid Day Meal Scheme. Some of these are given below:- 1) 60% of cooking cost & honorarium to cook-cum-helpers (ie for the first 6 months) is released in advance in the beginning of school academic year. 2) Funds related to cooking cost are e-transferred directly to HM s account. 3) Honorarium to cook-cum-helpers is e-transferred to their bank accounts 4) The cost of food grains for the 1 st & 2 nd quarter is e-transferred to the District authority in the 1 st week of April and the cost of 3 rd th quarter & 4 is e-transferred in the 1 st week of September. Directions were given to the District Authorities to pay the amount to the FCI on the same day of receipt of bill from the FCI. 5) Honorarium is disbursed at a higher rate than that is prescribed by MHRD. A minimum daily honorarium of Rs.400/- to a maximum of Rs.475/- is paid to a cookcum-helper. Thus for an average of 23 working days in a month, a cook-cum-helper is getting a minimum amount of Rs.9200/- towards his/her honorarium. 6) State provides an additional financial assistance of Rs.1400 per metric ton of rice towards transportation charges. Thus, together with the central assistance of Rs.750/- per MT transportation charges at the rate of Rs.2150/-per MT is being paid to Kerala Sate Civil Supplies Corporation for lifting rice from the depots of FCI. 7) Milk and Egg are supplied to children as additional food items. Every child is fed with 150 ml of milk twice a week and one egg in a week. The expenditure in this regard is exclusively borne by the State. 8) With the construction of 3031 kitchen-cum-stores (yet to be started), 90% of the schools will have permanent buildings for kitchen cum-stores. 24

9) Though State Government is not providing breakfast in schools, local self Government Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations, Charitable Trusts and in some cases school PTAs successfully run a scheme for providing breakfast to children in many schools. Several Local Self Government Institutions in the State have separate plan schemes for providing breakfast to children in schools under their jurisdiction. It is known that in the State Capital alone, the scheme of providing breakfast to children is going on in 200 schools with the financial assistance of the City Corporation. 2.22 Untoward incidents 2.22.1 Instances of unhygienic food served, children falling ill Involvement of mother PTA, members of SMC, ward members and teachers collectively ensure the quality of food served to children. Teachers and SMC members taste the food before being served. There have been no instances of unhygienic food served or students fallen ill after having taken food reported so far. 2.22.2 Sub-standard supplies Headmaster is in charge of procuring food materials (rice, pulses etc) from the outlets of Civil Supplies Corporation. Condiments, oil, fuel etc are procured locally by the school noon feeding committee. Involvement of mother PTA, members of SMC, ward members and teachers collectively ensure the quality of food served to children 2.22.3. Diversion/ misuse of resources Involvement of School Noon Feeding Committee, mother PTA, members of SMC, ward members and teachers collectively ensure the non diversion/misuse of resource. 2.22.4. Social discrimination Involvement of mother PTA, members of SMC and ward members collectively ensure social discrimination of any sort does not take place. 2.22.5. Action taken and safety measures adopted to avoid recurrence of such incidents. Whether Emergency Plan exists to tackle any untoward incident Mid-Day Meal Scheme is managed, monitored and supervised at school level by the School Noon Feeding committee which consists of PTA President, members of Mother PTA, representatives of Parents of children belonging to SC/ST category and minority 25

communities, Ward Member, Head of the institution and Teachers representatives. The committee is convened every month and discusses the progress of the conduct of MDM scheme and also the shortcomings if any. The committee verifies the bills and vouchers regarding the expenses incurred in the conduct of MDM scheme. With the approval of the Committee, the detailed account statements for a month alongwith the bills and vouchers concerned are submitted to the Noon Meal Officer at the block level before the 10 th of the succeeding month. The Noon Meal Officers periodically visit schools coming under their jurisdiction and verify the stock of food articles, their quality, hygiene and safety standards maintained in the preparation and serving of food and submit his findings to the Noon Feeding Supervisor of the District. Grave issues that require the intervention at the State level is reported to the Director, MDM. 2.23. Status of Rastriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (School Health Programme) 2.23.1. Provision of micro- nutrients, de-worming medicine, Iron and Folic acid (WIFS). The School Health Programme is being implemented in the state as a joint venture of Department of Health Services and Department of Education, aided by the National Rural Health Mission. The programme is now in all schools in the State. Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation has been started in the state with effect from 3/2013. 2.23.2. Distribution of spectacles to children with refractive error 15009 children have received spectacles up to 31.12.2016. 2.23.3. Recording of height, weight etc 8057 and 7967 schools have equipments for measuring weight and height measurement respectively 2.23.4. Number of visits made by the RBSK team for the health check- up of the children 10507 numbers of visits were made by the RBSK team for the health check-up till 31.12.2016. 2.24 Present Monitoring Structure at various levels. At the district level there is a Noon Feeding Supervisor in the cadre of Senior Superintendent attached to the Office of the Deputy Director of Education. The supervisor periodically visits the schools under his/her jurisdiction and examines the food served, verifies the stock and other records and conducts audit of accounts. A copy of the 26